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Bronx Riviera

"Bronx Riviera" follows the journey of two Dominican-American millennial women, Camila and Reina, who are both facing different internal conflicts. Camila is struggling with her career as a writer and not living up to her mother's expectations, while Reina is dealing with family pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.

In an attempt to break free from their daily routines and find themselves, the two women embark on a magic mushroom-fueled adventure to Orchard Beach, also known as the "Bronx Riviera." Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges that force them to confront their fears and insecurities.

Through laughter, tears, and self-discovery, Camila and Reina learn to embrace their unique identities as strong, independent Dominican-American women. "Bronx Riviera" is a heartwarming and empowering story of friendship, growth, and self-acceptance.

  • Shamir Arzeno
    Director
    Somos De Aqui
  • Shamir Arzeno
    Writer
    Somos De Aqui
  • Darlene Demorizi
    Key Cast
    "Camila"
    De Lo Mio, The Funniest Person Ever
  • Brenda Raquel
    Key Cast
    "Reina"
    The Spectacular Tito Garcia, Pinch, 5 Feet Away
  • Lia Lizardo
    Producer
    Somo De Aqui
  • Marcel Severino
    Producer
    Somo De Aqui
  • Amaury Rodriguez
    Producer
    Romeo Santos: King of Bachata
  • Arturo Baez
    Director of Photography
  • Arturo Baez
    Editor
  • Adam Nunez
    Editor
  • Lukas Arbogast
    Sound
  • Flora Kamimoto
    Sound Operator
  • Corinna Vega
    Costume Design
  • Ruben Herrera
    Colorist and VFX
  • Stephanie Morales
    BTS Photograhy
  • Miguel Gallardo
    Camera Operator
  • Amaury Rodriguez
    Camera Operator
  • Clara Almanzar
    Extras
  • Ryan Lizardo
    Extras
  • Corinna Vega
    Extras
  • Eliezer Infante
    Extras
  • KG
    Extras
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 21, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Shamir Arzeno

Shamir Arzeno is a first-generation Dominican-American filmmaker from the Bronx, New York. From a young age, he was drawn to storytelling and its power to give a voice to marginalized communities. He grew up in a community where the struggle for social justice was a daily reality, and he was inspired by the stories of everyday people who fought for their rights.

He is the director of the feature-length documentary "Somos Dominicanos," which explores the Dominican Republic's complex relationship with race, identity, and culture.

In addition to his work as a director, Shamir has also worked as an assistant director, co-writer, and producer on various projects. Notably, he was involved in the LA Latino International Film Festival Inclusion short "Somos de Aqui," which highlights the struggles and the Haitian community in the Dominican Republic.

Through his work, Shamir seeks to shed light on the experiences and perspectives of the LatinX community and other communities that are often overlooked or misunderstood. He believes in the power of storytelling to bridge divides and create understanding between people of different backgrounds.

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Director Statement

As the director of "Bronx Riviera," I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to bring this story to life on screen. This film is a deeply personal exploration of identity, friendship, and the power of self-discovery. It reflects my own experiences growing up as a first-generation Dominican American in the Bronx and the journey of self-discovery that I went on in my own life.

Through this film, I wanted to create a space for audiences to connect with characters who are grappling with the complexities of their own identities. The characters of Camila and Reina are representations of the struggles that so many of us face in our own lives, whether it be the pressures of traditional gender roles or feeling stuck in a career. Their journey to Orchard Beach represents the journey that we all must go on at some point in our lives - a journey of self-discovery and liberation.

The use of mushrooms in the film is a nod to the transformative and healing power of nature, which is a theme that is close to my heart. It is my belief that to truly know ourselves, we must connect with the natural world and embrace the unknown.

Ultimately, "Bronx Riviera" is a celebration of the power of friendship, connection, and resilience. Through the journey of Camila and Reina, I hope to inspire audiences to connect with their own inner selves, find the strength to embrace their true identities, and to take risks in pursuit of their own self-discovery.